Our derm-approved picks are your one-way ticket to plumper, smoother skin.
Chances are you’ve caught wind of the skincare industry’s favorite ingredient: Hyaluronic acid. This powerful humectant can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which is why it’s often a key ingredient in serums intended for dry skin.1
“Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that naturally exists in the skin,” explains Claire Wolinsky, MD. “When a hyaluronic acid serum is applied to the skin, it can attract and hold water, leading to a plumping and hydrating effect.” While HA doesn’t directly stop signs of aging, the plumping effect can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And no matter your skin type, she adds, regular use of a hyaluronic acid serum can lead to an appearance of “healthier, dewier skin.”
If you’re ready to take the next step and add a hyaluronic acid serum to your skincare routine, we’re here to help. We conducted hours of research and consulted experts for their recommendations. Then, we tested the serums for a period of eight weeks, taking into account how well each serum absorbed into our skin, how hydrated our skin felt after application, and whether or not we noticed a change in the look and feel of our complexion over time. To ensure we’re recommending the best possible options, we even considered ingredients, additional benefits, dosage, sizes, and prices. The result: A specially curated list of hyaluronic acid serums that actually work.
Best Overall: Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate
For a hyaluronic acid serum to claim the top spot on this list, it needed to impress us during testing. And it’s safe to say that this one from ISDIN stood out from the other options. Not only did the medium-thick serum—which contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, lentil extract, and BioMarine, an ingredient that supports hydration and skin health— sink into the skin within minutes, but it felt refreshing and hydrating upon contact. It’s surprisingly lightweight and works wonders to leave the skin glowing and impeccably hydrated sans residue or stickiness. After eight weeks, we were more than pleased with the results: Smoother skin texture, a soft-to-the-touch complexion, and a glass-like glow. It also performed nicely underneath makeup, creating a smooth, pill-free base for foundation, concealer, and contour. Our only complaint is that the bottle can seem small—especially when you consider the price. Thankfully, after eight weeks, we’re happy to report that there’s still more than enough left in the bottle, so you really get your money’s worth.
Best Budget: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Dr. Maguiness is a huge fan of The Ordinary’s inexpensive Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and we are, too. After testing it for eight weeks, we saw an improvement in the appearance and feel of our skin—most notably when it came down to youthfulness and suppleness. Although we’re unsure about whether or not the product’s plumping capabilities or hydrating effects work, we were pleased with how much younger our skin looked after application. The formula itself isn’t super runny, but it isn’t super thick either; in fact, it’s just right. It can foam up if you work too quickly, so we recommend taking your time and layering moisturizer on top once it’s had a minute to dry. If you give it time to work its magic, we’re sure that you’ll love how soft, smooth, and residue-free skin feels. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the formula contains vitamin B5 (also known as pantothenic acid), which helps the skin retain moisture and calm inflammation—a win-win if you ask us.
Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum
SkinCeuticals’ Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is a quality product with a high concentration of HA, as well as some other valuable skin-correcting ingredients, like licorice root extract (which Dr. Wolinsky says can help with discoloration). Admittedly, it looks goopy straight out of the dropper, but it absorbs very quickly into the skin and feels a lot more lightweight than it looks. We loved that the results were two-pronged: Right away and over time. Upon contact with the skin, the serum plumps fine lines and creates a glass-like glow. Over time, it hydrates and smooths skin—so much so that one tester’s husband (who normally doesn’t notice cosmetic changes) commented on how soft her skin felt. If you’re looking for a more supple complexion with less obvious fine lines, this is the serum for you. Yes, it costs a bit more money than some other options on the market, but we assure you that you won’t be disappointed.
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
From the drugstore aisle, we’re loving Cerave’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum. It contains pure hyaluronic acid, plus vitamin B5 and three essential ceramides that work in tandem to hydrate, repair the skin’s barrier, and soften the entire face. While testing, we appreciated how promptly the formula absorbed into the skin (it took around 60 seconds) and it provided instant hydration. We found it to be very soothing and refreshing, plus we loved the fact that it didn’t sit atop the skin but rather seeped deep into our pores. Over the course of the testing period, our skin felt more hydrated overall (a huge win), with a huge difference in the softness of the previously dull and dry areas on our faces. Our T-zones never felt too oily, rather the serum provided a supple, glossy feel that proved to be a great base for both skincare and makeup. The only thing we wish we could change is that the bottle is a bit small; a larger bottle would last longer. But when you consider the price and accessibility (you can find it in any drugstore, no matter where you are), it can’t be beaten.
Best Under Makeup: Glossier Super Bounce Serum
Super Bounce is a godsend for regular makeup wearers, or those searching for a little extra skin plumpness and smoothness. This hydrating concoction from Glossier boasts a softening blend of vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to deliver a smoother, more supple complexion while prepping the skin for foundation and concealer. During testing, we watched as it absorbed in under 30 seconds, leaving skin buoyant without a trace of product on the surface of the skin. While the formulation can be sticky upon application, it dissipates as it sinks into the skin and layers well (aka doesn’t pill) under whatever products you pile on top. Because of its lightweight, gel-like consistency, we’d recommend it to someone with oily or acne-prone skin. When it comes to severely dry skin, we’d skip it. The only thing we didn’t love was the fact that the dropper felt too wide for the bottle; we had to tinker around with it each time we used the product.
Best Multi-Use: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Serum calls on all of the usual suspects to smooth, plump, and hydrate the skin—hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, niacinamide (which helps reduce the appearance of pores, redness, and fine lines)—with an unexpected twist in the form of the brand’s proprietary thermal spring water. Collected from a water source in France, the thermal spring water has hydrating and soothing properties and contains minerals like selenium, a natural antioxidant. If you need extra soothing or hydration, this is the formula to lean on. After testing, the bumps on our skin’s texture seemed smoother and the appearance of the crow’s feet around our eyes were less noticeable.
Best Concentrated: Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Developed with a highly effective blend of visibly plumping ingredients (shoutout provitamin B5 and a triple-ceramide complex), this booster saturates skin with a rush of hydration. The result: Less-visible wrinkles and lots more suppleness. With continued use, we experienced smoother, softer skin that appeared more plump and hydrated. It’s definitely not a cure-all for fine lines—there’s no such thing—but it works wonders when it comes to helping your skin retain moisture.
Best Brightening: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
This product is a vitamin C serum, but it’s packed with many more key players than that—namely, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and more. The vitamin C aspect helps brighten the skin, improve hyperpigmentation, and boost radiance, all while protecting the skin against free radical damage. As for the hyaluronic acid component, you can expect this serum to hydrate and plump the skin (like the other options on this list), but it’s the addition of konjac root that really amps up its softening powers. What’s more, the addition of vitamin E (a discoloration fighter), ferulic acid (an antioxidant), and chamomile and clary sage extracts balance everything out. After putting it to the test, our skin felt smoother and our overall complexions appeared brighter and, dare we say, more glowy.
Best for Very Dry Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum
Have parched skin? The Water Drench serum has your name on it. This fan-favorite from Peter Thomas Roth contains a whopping 75% hyaluronic acid, plus essential ceramides and the brand’s proprietary HydraFence to keep your skin moisturized for up to 120 hours. Aside from its moisturizing properties, we noticed a reduction in the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and dry patches. We’re pretty pleased with all of the formula’s features, except for the fact that it contains dyes.
Best for Mature Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
Formulated with mature skin in mind, Dr. Dennis Gross’s Hyaluronic Marine Booster contains moisturizing watermelon extract and centella asiatica (aka cica) to smooth the appearance of fine lines. We like that this multifunctional serum can be applied all over the face or on dry patches as needed. Do note that the water-like consistency is runny, so consider using the dropper applicator to dispense the product directly on the skin to avoid waste.
Best for Redness: Kiehl’s Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
If you’re in the market for something that helps tone down redness, look to the Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency Hyaluronic Acid Serum. It’s made with only seven ingredients and is designed to calm, soothe, and replenish the skin. During testing, we found it to be incredibly effective—we actually could tell a difference in the appearance and feel of our skin on days when we used it vs. the days we didn’t use it. Our skin appeared healthier and younger; wrinkles and fine lines were less obvious and the overall feel of our skin was supple, smooth, and super-soft. While we didn’t experience any pilling or peeling under makeup, some say the product can do so. We recommend giving the product at least five minutes to absorb before layering on the rest of your skincare and makeup regimen.
Best with Peptides: Tula Triple-Hydra Complex Day & Night Serum
As the name suggests, this serum is designed to lock in moisture for 24 hours every time you use it—the brand recommends twice a day. It’s formulated with the brand’s Triple-HydraTM Complex, which drenches skin with three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, plus polyglutamic acid to plump skin and leave it hydrated and smooth.2 After using the serum over the course of eight weeks, we noticed that our skin was more radiant and the red, inflamed look of breakouts decreased tenfold.
Final Verdict
Our number one choice is ISDIN Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate, a dermatologist-loved hyaluronic acid serum that delivers a supple, smooth complexion and 24 hours of hydration on all skin types. That said, those on a budget should consider The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, a fan-favorite formula that works hard to hydrate the skin while calming inflammation.
What to Look for in a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Your Skin Type
Although hyaluronic acid works for all skin types, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield recommends considering your skin type to find the one that suits your needs best. For example, if you have oily skin, she explains, you’ll want to look for a water-based product. We recommend the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for this. If you have dry skin, she says, try an oil- or cream-based serum for optimal hydration. The Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum is one of our favorites for very dry skin.
Alcohol-Free Formulations
Alcohol can be added to skincare to preserve or stabilize the formula. Greenfield recommends avoiding it as much as you can, explaining that formulas with alcohol “can end up drying out your skin rather than hydrating it.” We love the Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster with Ceramides, which is not only alcohol-free, but contains a blend ceramides to enhance the formula’s soothing nature.
Additional Ingredients
Since serums are a great vehicle for delivering a high concentration of active ingredients into the skin, look for a hyaluronic acid serum that also contains your daily dose of antioxidants. Greenfield notes that hyaluronic acid works well with vitamin C, but also plays nicely with vitamin B5, amongst other free radical-fighting ingredients. We love the antioxidant-packed Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum W/ Konjac Root, Ferulic & Hyaluronic Acid, fortified with vitamin C.
FAQ
What do hyaluronic acid serums do?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance made by our skin cells that supports our skin’s barrier function, explains Greenfield. It’s a humectant that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, essentially drawing in and binding moisture to the skin, softening and hydrating it without being overly heavy.3 “When applying hyaluronic acid to our skin topically [through a serum], we’re giving our skin what is needed to maintain its barrier function and keep us healthy,” she says.
When should you use a hyaluronic acid serum?
Greenfield says that because hyaluronic acid is so light and versatile, you can apply a serum with it pretty much whenever you please. “I love applying hyaluronic acid post-procedure, as a part of my morning antioxidant serum, or after applying retinoids at night,” she says.
Can you apply too much hyaluronic acid serum?
In general, hyaluronic acid isn’t thought to have any negative side effects, though some studies have shown that overusing products with low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid may induce inflammation.4 Greenfield also says that those with oily or acne-prone skin shouldn’t overdo it with serums in general: “You should still moisturize, but don’t go overboard!” Otherwise, you may end up with a shiny, greasy complexion or clogged pores.
Can you use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together?
Serums are great for delivering antioxidants to the skin. Greenfield points out that vitamin C serums (amongst other antioxidant serums) are typically formulated with an emollient, such as hyaluronic acid, so, yes, they can (and should) be used together.
Which ingredients should you avoid using with a hyaluronic acid serum?
Currently, there are no known negative reactions to any specific ingredients being used together with hyaluronic acid. However, Greenfield advises against using any hyaluronic acid serums that contain alcohol (since they can be drying) or any other ingredients that typically irritate your skin or cause you to have an allergic reaction.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best hyaluronic acid formulas on the market evaluating their key features—like ingredients, size, and design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
